New Australian Study Confirms with Height come Higher Wages

A new Australian study confirms U.S. findings from a few years past that taller people (men and women) earn higher wages than their shorter counterparts. This was found to be true across the board- various industries, professions,levels, etc. How much so? To the tune of an extra 4 inches in men lead to wages about 3% (or one year of experience) higher. You can find the article here, courtesy of Yahoo and the AP.

How to combat this issue? Dress Taller! It has always been our philosophy at ForTheFit.com, that the key for shorter men is to dress to maximize your height and visually lengthen your frame (giving the impression of greater height). In the current economy and job market, given this new research- it literally pays to dress taller and make a better first impression on your interviewer.

A few tips:
1) Keep your suit simple and in a dark color- black is always best.
2) Subtle, vertical pinstripes (can be monochromatic) are an added plus because they will visually lengthen your frame.
3) Keep your tie simple & slim to add inches as well
4) Skip heels or lifts- they can be more comical than effective.
5) Match shoes and socks to trouser to lengthen

Good Luck!

C. Bova, CEO

PART 3- Smart Shopping: Focus on FIT to Stretch your Wardrobe on a Recession Budget

The global economic crisis is causing many of us to think more carefully about our buying decisions: what, when, and how many of something we really need. At the same time, unless we continue to spend as individuals, the economy will continue to falter. For the next few weeks, we'll do our part by offering tips on making the most of your clothing budget in these tough economic times.

This Week's Tip: Focus on fit to get a wardrobe that will make you look sharp and remember that clothes that suit your personality and body type are always stylish.

1. American’s today seem to live in their jeans. Casual Friday, dinner out, a barbeque, the football game... your jeans are probably the pants you love most. Spend what you need to get a pair that fits. Look for the correct rise as well as the right length and consider whether the pockets sit where you want them to. Yes guys, that means I expect you to try them on and turn around to look at the back. Great jeans make your backside look lifted and round Silver Jeans "Grayson" Relaxed-Fit, Bootcut, Dark Vintage
2. Skip the tailor- buy clothes that fits from the get-go to save a lot of $$$money.
   
1. Try on a variety of sizes. If you usually wear a Medium but you try on a shirt and it seems too large or too small, try a size up or down. All cuts are not equal and some manufacturers cut larger or smaller than the norm- don't let your ego prevent you from securing a great style in your size.
   
2. Look for pants that are the correct hem length and avoid the cost of tailoring. From dress trousers to denim, ForTheFit.com offers pants pre-hemmed at no additional cost. Try the Silver Jeans "Grayson" Relaxed-Fit, Bootcut, Dark Vintage at ForTheFit.com)

Get That Look : Celeb Style for Shorter Men- Bob Dylan

Contrary to popular belief, all male celebs are not tall. There are quite a few shorter male celebs. Why don’t we notice how short they are? Style and confidence- these men have it and they dress to make the most of their best features, and visually add inches to their frames. How to accomplish this short men celebrity style? At a price you can afford? Here’s my suggestion…

This week’s candidate: Bob Dylan

Height: 5' 7″ (per celebheights.com)

Why: His vintage rocker looks are timeless and look as good today as they ever did! Fitted clothing in solid black tones worn during the 60’s and 70’s still look great on men today.

For example, here is Bob Dylan performing on stage in July 1978 and here in January 1965 while recording his album “Bring It All Back Home.”

The key to these looks? The dark, monochromatic silhouette makes the most of his slim, shorter frame by creating one long line, visually adding inches. More importantly, notice his the length of his sleeves, the slim fit of the trousers, and the close fit of the jackets- This man’s clothes FIT. Oversized items or too-long sleeves, jacket and pant lengths just make a person look shorter than their actual height. Dylan’s sharp clothing balances out his seemingly untamable hair to create a memorable rock star style. Note that the sunglasses he wore everywhere make him look relaxed in any situation.

Get the Look: In your Size and on your Budget...

Look for clothing, particularly dress shirts and trousers, labeled “trim fit” or “tailored fit.”

1) The Pants: ForTheFit.com offers black trousers for a Bob Dylan style in short rise, slim, flat front styles in various price points (Ben Sherman,$84 ; Ballin, $145). For more casual events, consider Skinny Jeans, like the Decker from Silver Jeans (available exclusively at ForTheFit.com in inseams from 27", $89)

2) The Shirt: Keep an eye on the fit through the torso. One option is to buy off the rack and have the shirt taken in at the waist, and sleeves shortened by a tailor as needed. Another option is to buy a slim-fitting or proportioned dress shirt. For Dylan’s look, try a trim black shirt in black or charcoal (Ben Sherman dress shirt in Black or Charcoal, $69). With a black suit. leather jacket and vest, wear a white shirt (Classix shirts are just $30, and BONUS: sleeves start from 30" and fit is proportioned for 5'9"& Under- no need to see the tailor). Dylan keeps his clothing neutral (wearing black all over is more Johnny Cash than Bob Dylan).
3) A Structured Jacket: In all three photos Dylan wears a jacket that fits him to a tee but each as has a different style: leather, tweed, and suit. A slim, fitted suit from Ben Sherman or Calvin Klein will give you the clean look you need at the office or a special night out (from $388).
4) Sunglasses: Instant cool. The RayBan Wayfarers ($139) Dylan wore indoors still look great today.

PART 2- Smart Shopping: Making the most of your wardrobe on a Recession Budget

The global economic crisis is causing many of us to think more carefully about our buying decisions: what, when, and how many of something we really need. At the same time, unless we continue to spend as individuals, the economy will continue to falter. For the next few weeks, we'll do our part by offering tips on making the most of your clothing budget in these tough economic times.

This Week's Tip: Step into your closet and ask yourself whether you have something appropriate for every aspect of your life – work, sports, dates, family events, happy hour, etc. If not, start shopping today. Otherwise, you will find yourself doing last minute shopping for that big event. Last minute shopping is nearly always more expensive and less likely to offer a repeat performance. Instead, shop for what you need over time and what might last over time...

1. INVEST...in pieces you’ll wear once a week or more.
2. BETTER OVER TIME... Add pieces to your wardrobe that improve with age and wear.
   

• The Leather Jacket: A classically styled, leather jacket, when well cared-for, will improve over time- becoming softer, more supple and generally wonderful to wear. Tip: Leather does not tailor well, so buy a jacket that fits off the rack (for shorter men, try the Park Avenue Classic Lambskin Jacket, or our Suede Jacket (pictured below) for classic, unembellished jackets available in sizes from men's extra-small
• The Jean: Quality jeans will soften and improve with each wash, not disintegrate (for a shorter inseam , from 27"- try the Silver Jeans "Grayson" Relaxed-Fit, Bootcut, Dark Vintage at ForTheFit.com)

Smart Shopping: Making the most of your wardrobe on a Recession Budget

The global economic crisis is causing many of us to think more carefully about our buying decisions: what, when, and how many of something we really need. At the same time, unless we continue to spend as individuals, the economy will continue to falter. For the next few weeks, we'll do our part by offering tips on making the most of your clothing budget in these tough economic times.

This Week's Tip: When it comes to your wardrobe, you don’t have to stop buying, but it’s a good idea to shop with your lifestyle and existing wardrobe in mind.

1. Take Stock: Buy pieces that integrate well with what you already own.
2. Assets: Accessories can be a low-cost way to revamp a "tired" wardrobe. Consider adding some new ties, cufflinks, pocket squares, or vests to existing suit/dress shirt ensembles. Add a little luxe to an inexpensive suit or dress shirt with a 100% silk tie in a colorful, eye-catching print- options abound even at lower price points. Consider Ben Sherman & Palio 100% Silk Ties, from $38 . With French-cuff dress shirts, ditch the complementary cufflinks that come with the shirt and find a little something that represents you. It tells everyone from discerning women to potential clients and interviewers that you are a person that pays attention to little details- a favorable trait for sure! Styles abound from classics (simple shapes in gold or silver, stone inlays) to unique and quirky (football, sailing, gambling, theater motifs and more- you name it!) .
3. Basic Investments: Basics= pieces that can be dressed up or down, worn for years without going out of style, or come in neutral colors that match most everything. Some examples...

• Every man needs a classic pair of high quality, chino trousers in his wardrobe. A khaki colored, flat front model will get the most use- taking you easily from work (business casual) to play (add a golf shirt for the club; a dress-casual shirt or lightweight sweater for drinks or dinner). For quality and style that lasts, we recommend "The Ultimate Chino" Khaki Trouser by Ballin, from $119
• A well-fitting, basic white dress shirt is essential. It, too, goes from work (under a suit, sportcoat or on its own) to play (with jeans for a casual dinner out) effortlessly. One caveat: it's white, so account for inevitable spills and buy several.100% Cotton Dress Shirts by Classix, from $30
  
• The Perfect Jeans: Worn more than any single item of clothing in a man's closet, a good quality pair of jeans in a classic color and style will last season after season. Plus, consider this bonus: Divide the number of wears you get from one pair of jeans into the price you paid and you’ll realize that they cost you pennies per wear! Silver Jeans "Grayson" Relaxed-Fit, Bootcut, Dark Vintage
  
• Last but not least: the Polo Shirt. As comfortable as a T-shirt, but wearable to the office, for sports, weekends, you name it. Options abound, so look for a good quality version (one that won't fade, stretch or pill after one wear or wash). that fits well (shoulder seams should fall at or within an inch or so of your actual shoulders, sleeves should end well before your elbows and the length should not completely cover your backside), in a basic color (navy, red, black and white are all good choices). Outer Banks polo, from $20
  

People are Talking...Entrepreneurship in the Recessed Economy & ForTheFit.com

Learn more about the entrepreneurs at the helm of ForTheFit.com, the premier US Short men's clothes retailer.

Check out this week's news about entrepreneurship & start-ups in this down economy with articles including comments by ForTheFit.com's leadership team, including CEO Consuelo Bova.

"Down Times Spark Startups" Christian Science Monitor, March 23, 2009 by Marilyn Gardner

"163 Ways to Become an Entrepreneur" March 24, 2009 by the best-selling author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, Michael Michalowicz

The Meaasure of a Man: A resource for the ladies...

Taking measurements is a fairly simple process- a soft measuring tape and some basic instructions is all you need. But, measuring the man in your life requires a little more- more permission, more convincing...

"I thought size didn't matter..."
It is if you want to buy clothes that fit so that you look your best. Specifically, you want your guy to look his best ( a well-dressed man can be an excellent accessory!)

"But he hates shopping..."
He won't once he knows his actual size. Knowing his actual size will make it easier (and therefore more fun) to shop. A bonus: If you know his size, it will be easier for you to shop & buy him gifts.

Tell him he has your permission to have a Fit...

Start at the top and working your way down. Don’t forget to write everything down as you go so he’ll have the list for later.

1. Collar size: Simply measure around the base of his neck. If he intends to wear the shirt with a tie, the shirt size selected should closely match his exact collar measurement. However, a shirt to be worn without a tie may be purchased slightly larger (by about a 1/2 size) for comfort and a more casual look.


2. Chest size: Have him relax his arms at his sides and measure around the fullest part of his chest with the tape measure just below his armpits.


3. Overarm Measurement: Measure the circumference of his chest and arms (at the highest point of his shoulder blades). Subtract chest measurement from his overarm measurement. This measurement can be useful when buying a jacket or sportcoat- if the difference is 7 inches or greater, we recommend buying jackets one size larger for comfort and a better fit in the upper arms and shoulders.


4. Arm: Have him bend his elbow 90 degrees and place his hand on his hip. Stand behind him and hold the tape at the center back of his neck. Measure across his shoulder to his elbow, and down to his wrist. The total length in inches is his sleeve length.


5. Waist: Measure loosely (so he can breath) around his natural waistline. Many men wear trousers well below the natural waist, under the belly if they carry extra weight around the mid-section- but this can actually make him look heavier than he actually is. For belts, choose a size 1-2 inches larger than his actual waist size.


6. Rise: Rise refers to the distance between the top of a trouser’s waistband and the top of the trouser leg’s inseam (at the crotch). Measure his favorite (and best fitting) pants by measuring along the trouser's seam , or start from scratch (especially if his pants are too tight or too baggy through the buttocks, crotch and thighs). Guys under 5'9" often benefit from short rise pants.


7. Inseam: An inseam can be measured using a pair of pants that fit well (see ForTheFit.com's Style Guide for tips on perfect length). Measure from the crotch seam (where all the fabric meets), down the pant leg all the way to the end. If he does not have a pair of pants of the proper length right now, you’ll need at least pants that fit properly in the waist. From those you can judge where you want the pants to stop. Proper length may vary whether your man is wearing jeans or crisp dress pants, but never by more than an inch and a half. Also, you will want to take the inseam for each leg if you want to have custom pants made because the length may not be the same for each leg. Lastly, if his current trousers are regular rise and you are considering a switch to short rise, keep in mind that the new placement of the crotch will affect the inseam length- adjust accordingly.

And if he's really stubborn...

• Remind him how much more fun it could be taking measurements with you, than visiting his tailor- Earl


• Bribe him- a favorite meal, a massage, whatever it takes!


• Swap- he can take your measurements next. It can't hurt (too many women are slaves to the number on the tag- it's important to know your size, too- Plus, how much better will it be when his gifts to you are actually the right size.)


• Because you said so.


• Feeling frisky? Offer to take measurements... wearing nothing but the measuring tape. We doubt he'll say no.

Good luck (& Better Fit)!